What do you do with a new $1.7 million ladder truck that's too big for the firehouse?
Selling it and expanding the existing Medina firehouse on Main Street are among the options being considered.
"Our existing structure has a doorway of 10 foot, 6 inches. The new bay would have 13-foot doors, so that would also be adding onto the taxes, including the ladder truck," IAFF Local 2161 President Steven Miller told WHAM.
Understanding the need for a reliable aerial, taxpayers approved the purchase of a new one.
But, increasing taxes to modify the station has some village leaders are considering selling it before its slated arrival sometime in February.
"I don't want to see us lose the fire service or lose a ladder truck. We need one. We have to look into the future. Fires are going to happen. We have a lot of large, older homes and structures in our community."said Medina resident Luanne Moriarty.
Miller agrees that the aerial is needed. Neighboring departments with ladder trucks have responded into Medina since they've been without one.
"It would be heartbreak, disappointment and disservice to the community. It's an important piece of what we do as firefighters and protecting our village," he said.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.